ethology

Meaning: Ethology is the scientific study of animal behavior in natural conditions, asking how a behavior aids survival and reproduction. Lorenz, Tinbergen, and von Frisch are the classic names. A fixed action pattern is a stereotyped, largely innate sequence that a sign stimulus (releaser) triggers and that usually runs to completion once started. Imprinting is rapid learning during a sensitive period, such as goslings following the first moving object they see.

On the MCAT: A passage describes an animal's response, such as a male stickleback attacking anything with a red underside. You identify the sign stimulus, judge whether the behavior is innate or learned, or explain its adaptive value through natural selection. Questions may contrast field observation with laboratory conditioning.

Common confusion: Ethology is not behaviorism. Behaviorism explains behavior mainly through learning (conditioning) under controlled conditions, while ethology stresses evolved, largely innate behavior seen in nature. Ethologists still accept learning: imprinting shows that an innate tendency can need experience to take its final form.